By: Morgan Hume
Agency life is many things, but above all, it can get pretty hectic. The constant flurry of client requests, meetings, reporting and a never-quite-finished to-do list keep public relations pros consistently busy. While many of us thrive in this fast-paced work environment, it’s easy to get so caught up in the rush that we forget to make time for rest or fun. Being as energized and engaged as possible, however, allows us to give 100% each day.
Unfortunately, 46% of workers don’t use all their PTO and, even more troublesome, 37% of Americans are so tired that they’re taking time off just to sleep.As hard as it can be to shake the nerves of hitting the “pause button” and stepping aside from your client work, it’s important for every PR pro to take the PTO time they need so they can come back refreshed, fulfilled and ready to face the next challenge or client crisis.
Studies have shown that well-rested employees are more productive, more creative and healthier—both mentally and physically.
Here’s what you can do to encourage yourself (or your colleagues) to make the most of your time away from the office so you can avoid burning out, and crashing out:
#1 Use your PTO when you’re ready – not when everyone else is ready
Whether it’s the height of summer vacation or the middle of the holiday season, in PR, there’s no such thing as a “quiet” time to sneak away for vacation. Client crises can happen whether you are in the office or at the beach. This industry is constantly moving, and if you try to plan your PTO alongside its ebbs and flows, so if you wait for an open window, you’ll end up working 261 weekdays a year. Because let’s face it, there is never a dull day in PR.
Instead of waiting, take time off whenever you will feel the most rested and have the chance to spend time doing what helps you unwind. So go ahead, plan that spring trip to France or that long weekend on the Cape, you deserve it.
#2 Unplug, unplug, unplug!
When you’re out of the office, it can be tempting to check your email or look for updates from your Teams channel or Slack. But resist the urge!
Set your OOO calendar notification and loop in a team alias or colleague for important crises or client matters.
Unless you’re being contacted for an emergency or urgent request, unplugging and disconnecting from the job will allow you to take the space needed to maintain a healthy work-life balance. You should trust that the rest of your team has things covered, so you can enjoy the meaningful time away from your screens.
But that doesn’t mean you can just sign off all willy-nilly. Leaning on technology, your team, and a detailed to-do list can help you unplug.
#3 Reduce anxiety by planning ahead
Try putting together an OOO sheet or prep document to guide your team through any important deliverables that need to be addressed while you are away. That way, your team can refer to your PTO plan rather than your inbox. And if possible, up to a week before you leave, try to lessen your workload and begin handing off tasks to colleagues. This allows you to slowly reduce your bandwidth and discuss what you’ll need while you’re away, so you don’t need to worry about tying loose strings at the last-minute.
Simple steps like telling clients and colleagues in advance about your PTO plans and allowing your colleagues to pitch in where they can, can help you slide smoothly into vacation. Better yet, try setting up a calendar invite for your internal teams to remind them when you will be taking time off.
After all, you can’t do everything on your own! Team work makes the dream work. Delegate early and often when planning for PTO.
#4 How early is too early to plan ahead?
Let’s face it. We all love a good plan. If you are going on an extended vacation (2+ weeks), try alerting your teams on the earlier side and giving them a month or so to prepare, pending on your account complexity. It’s a good idea to first let your teams know when you will be gone and then follow up as you get closer to your departure date, looping them into client emails and important deliverables 1-2 weeks before you will be out.
For shorter vacations or long weekends, you don’t need that much time. Try to at least give adequate notice of your PTO but feel free to send off your PTO plan a day or two before you head out on vacation.
#5 Avoid the unnecessary guilt
PTO is not a perk or a special privilege. It’s part of your compensation that you’ve earned and deserve to use. If you wouldn’t leave part of your paycheck on the table, you should not be leaving your PTO unused, which is why there’s no need to feel bad about spending a few days on do not disturb.
As PR pros, we’re always eager to hit the ground running and to deliver the best quality of work for our clients, our brands, and ourselves. But when the job gets busy, many lose sight of when it’s time to hit the brakes.
Take these tips as your reminder that in the long-run, using your PTO is necessary to prevent burnout and ensure you’re able to keep delivering your best work. Not to fret – your team will always welcome you with open arms (and emails) when you return.